Side-by-side specifications of the Synology DS213 and DS213+, from official datasheets. Differences are highlighted.
| DS213 | DS213+ | |
| CPU | Marvell Armada 370 | Intel Atom |
| Cores / threads | 1/1 | dual-core |
| RAM (base) | 512 MB | 1GB |
| RAM (max) | 512 MB | 3GB |
| Drive bays | 2 | 2 |
| Expandable to | 0 | 0 |
| M.2 slots | 0 | 0 |
| Network | 1x Gigabit | 1x Gigabit |
| 10GbE | no | no |
| Max raw capacity | 8 TB | 8TB |
| Hot-swap | yes | yes |
| Form factor | desktop | desktop |
| Released | 2013 | 2012 |
Choose the DS213+ if you want noticeably more headroom: it has the faster CPU, more RAM, and better overall performance for apps, multitasking, and heavier SMB use. Both are 2-bay NAS units with no expansion capability, and neither model supports 10GbE or M.2. Pick the DS213 only if you need the cheapest basic file storage; otherwise the DS213+ is the safer buy.